What the odds tell us about potential MLB RBI leaders in 2020

Betting on who will lead the 2020 MLB season in RBIs can prove to be a big moneymaker. Guessing correctly will net you no less than +1200 odds, currently held by Nolan Arenado (more on him later). You can even go way down the depths of these odds and consider someone like Jorge Soler at +10000 or even Fernando Tatis Jr at +15000. While it’s nearly impossible to land on specific numbers, we have plenty of information to get an idea of where you can put your money and maybe bring a nice haul back in return. Let’s take a look at some of the options available on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies +1200

Last season, 22 players had over 100 RBI. Arenado tied for the fifth-most in the league, along with Eduardo Escobar of the Diamondbacks, with 118. Arenado’s talent is undeniable and since 2015, he’s ended each season with at least 110 RBI. His current career-high came in 2016, when he posted an insane 133. When it comes to the RBI category, he’s been one of the most consistent guys in baseball and a safe play to make. However, an interesting wrinkle is following him as we wait upon the regular season.

The Rockies have decided they need to cut payroll, and it’s primarily due to four players. Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, Ian Desmond and Wade Davis account for 59% of their payroll. This restricted Colorado’s offseason moves and Arenado was very critical of that, which has led to trade rumors. Could he land with another team during the year? It’s possible but teams likely are not comfortable taking on an average salary of $32 million through the end of 2026. Would the move away from Coors Field be beneficial or hurt his value? Over the past three years, Arenado has knocked in 59%, 56% and 58% of his RBI at Coors Field.

Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers +1300

The other favorite to take down this prop is Bellinger. I mean, how can you not like his RBI prospects with someone like Mookie Betts now occupying the leadoff spot for the Dodgers? Last season Bellinger knocked in 115, which was tied with Rafael Devers for the 10th most in the league. This Dodgers team is expected to score A LOT of runs and Bellinger should be in the midst of that batting in the cleanup spot. He has three on-base machines projected to hit in front of him, as Betts had a .391 OBP, Max Muncy with .374 and Justin Turner at .372. With that type of production in front of him, Bellinger should be in an unbelievable spot to drive in some runs.

It cannot be understated how much Betts could and should make a difference for the Dodgers team as a whole. Last season out of the leadoff spot, the Dodgers saw a .331 OBP from those hitters. While that doesn’t sound bad, that was good for 18th in the league. For reference, the Rangers topped the league at .368 while the Cubs were last at .294. No one is going to fault you for taking one of the favorites here with Bellinger.

Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels +2500

As we saw with the closers position and Kirby Yates, we’re getting some really solid value on the player who lead the league in this category in 2019. Rendon, who knocked in 126 for the Nationals, is tabbed with +2500 odds for 2020. On the surface, the move to the Angels doesn’t feel great for his power outlook. A Bigger ballpark and a division that is notorious for pitcher-friendly ballparks are a couple of points that come to mind. However, many of us are sleeping on what should be a good Angels lineup. Rendon will bring a completely different dynamic to the heart of the lineup and offer some protection to Mike Trout. Projected to hit in the third spot, Rendon hitting behind the best hitter in baseball in Trout can only bring good opportunities.

At the odds you’re getting, I have no problem at all getting Rendon at this number. This is the second time in his career he’s knocked in at least 100 runs and last year when he topped the league he did so by three. I think the Angels will be a much better team offensively and Rendon is going to be a big reason for that.

Fernando Tatis Jr, San Diego Padres +15000

Let’s get a little crazy here and take the longest odds on the board. Tatis Jr and Paul DeJong of the Cardinals are +15000 on the season and I couldn’t be more enticed to dabble on Tatis Jr. It’s easy to forget about the amazing start he had to his major league career, when he slashed .317/.379/.590 with 22 home runs and 53 RBI through 84 games. Had Tatis Jr played all 162 games, we’re sitting at 102 RBI on the season. Now, will that take home the RBI title? Not at all. However, it DOES show that Tatis has the potential and at the odds you’re getting, this is something to consider.

We’ve yet to see what a full season of him would look like but he’s fully healthy coming into 2020 and theres a reason why he breezed through the minor league system and is a starter for the Padres at the age of 21. I have zero faith that someone like DeJong would even come close to leading the league in RBI, as he hasn’t surpassed 78 in a season through three years. Take the value on Tatis Jr and hope for a breakout season for him.

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